Hit-and-Run Law — Duty to Stop After an Accident
Written and checked byManju Shekhar· Motor Law & Compliance
Fleeing after an accident is an offence under the MV Act — and a death caused by rash or negligent driving is prosecuted under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
If you are involved in an accident, you are legally required to stop, render aid, report to the nearest police station, and provide your details. Fleeing the scene is an offence under Sec. 187 of the MV Act, and a death caused by rash or negligent driving carries up to 5 years under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The 10-year hit-and-run clause in BNS Sec. 106(2) was excluded when the BNS came into force and has not been brought into effect.
Penalty Under Law
Failure to stop, help and report (Sec. 134, punished under Sec. 187): up to 6 months or ₹5,000 or both; repeat: up to 1 year or ₹10,000 or both. Causing death: BNS Sec. 106(1) — up to 5 years + fine.
Legal Source
MV Act Sec. 134, 134A, 161, 187; Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sec. 106
What the Law Says
Section 134 MV Act: The driver must stop, provide assistance to the injured, report to the nearest police station within 24 hours, and give details (name, licence, vehicle number). Section 187: failing to comply with Sec. 134 is punishable with imprisonment up to 6 months, or a fine of ₹5,000, or both (repeat: up to 1 year or ₹10,000). Section 161 (as substituted in 2019): where the vehicle cannot be identified, the Central Government pays a fixed ₹2,00,000 for a death and ₹50,000 for grievous hurt, from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund — this is a government scheme, not a liability on the driver. Section 162: the Central Government scheme for cashless treatment of accident victims during the golden hour. Good Samaritan Law (Sec. 134A): Bystanders who help accident victims shall not be liable for any civil or criminal action. No hospital may refuse treatment.
💡 Why This Rule Exists
Hit-and-run crashes killed 34,030 people in India in 2024 — 19.2% of all road deaths, from 14.1% of accidents (MoRTH, Road Accidents in India 2024). Many victims die not from the initial injury but from delayed medical attention because the driver fled and no one stopped to help. The Good Samaritan Law was enacted to encourage bystanders to help without fear of legal harassment — previously, people were reluctant to help because they feared being treated as suspects by police.
Key Facts
- 1
You MUST stop if involved in an accident — this is not optional.
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Render first aid and arrange transport to hospital.
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Report to nearest police station within 24 hours.
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Good Samaritan Law: if you help an accident victim, no hospital can refuse treatment and no police can detain or question you as a suspect.
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Untraceable vehicle: the government pays ₹2,00,000 (death) or ₹50,000 (grievous hurt) under Sec. 161. BNS Sec. 106(2) — up to 10 years for fleeing after a fatal crash — has not been brought into force.
- 6
Emergency number: 112 (unified) or 108 (ambulance).
⚠️ Common Violations
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Fleeing the scene after hitting a pedestrian or cyclist.
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Not reporting the accident to police within 24 hours.
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Bystanders refusing to help victims for fear of legal trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
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